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Objective: The current study investigated the effects of mulberry 1-deoxynijirimycin (DNJ) on the digestion ability, intestinal morphology, and intestinal barrier of rabbits. Methods: A total of 36 New Zealand White rabbits (male) about 45 days old (mean body weight of 1.05±0.04 kg) were reared and commercial diets were employed, and afterwards divided into three groups (n = 12) with different levels of DNJ extract additive in feed: T0 (0 g/kg), T1 (0.35 g/kg), T2 (0.7 g/kg) for 28 d. Results: The results demonstrated that T2 decreased the average daily gain (p<0.05). T1 and T2 decreased villus height and inflammatory factor levels as compared with T0 (p<0.05). DNJ significantly decreased the content of valeric acid (p<0.05). The content of acetic acid, propionic acid, iso butyric acid, iso valeric acid in T1 were higher than those in T0 and T2 (p<0.05). The content of butyric acid in T2 was lower than it in T0 and T1 (p<0.05). The content of caproic acid was firstly improved then reduced as the DNJ concentration improved (p<0.05). T2 significantly increased the abundance of dgA-11_gut_group and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group while decreased Bacteroide and Ralstonia as compared with T0 (p<0.05). Compared with T0, T1, and T2 significantly improved the gene expression of JAM2, JAM3, mucin4, mucin6 (p<0.05), T1 significantly decreased the expression of occluding while T2 significantly increased (p<0.05), T2 significantly increased the expression of claudin1 and claudin2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: DNJ at high level changed microbiome compositions, inhibited inflammation, and improved intestinal barrier while it decreased the growth performance and shorted villus height in rabbit jejunum by regulating short chain fatty acid compositions in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori is a highly prevalent pathogen in human gastric mucosa epithelial cells with strong colonization ability. Weizmannia coagulans is a kind of active microorganism that is beneficial to the improvement of host gut microbiota balance and can prevent and treat intestinal diseases. We investigated the beneficial effects of W. coagulans BC99 in H. pylori infected mice and measured inflammation response, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota. Results showed that BC99 could alleviate the gastric inflammation, inhibit the increasing of inflammation parameters endotoxin, interleukin‐10, transforming growth factor‐β, and interferon‐γ and oxidative stress myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde, promote the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that BC99 reversed the change of gut microbiota by reducing the abundance of Olsenella, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Monoglobus, and increasing the abundance of Tyzzerella. Meanwhile, BC99 caused elevated levels of Ligilactobacillus and Lactobacillus. In view of the beneficial effect of BC99 on the content of short‐chain fatty acid, valeric acid with sodium valerate interfered with H. pylori infection in mice found that valeric acid had a good restorative effect of H. pylori infection relating inflammation and oxidative stress responses. These results suggest that W. coagulans BC99 can be used as a potential probiotic to prevent and treat H. pylori infection by regulating the inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pigs do not have endogenous enzymes capable of breaking some fiber components (xylans) found in cereal grains such as wheat. The unique capability of xylanase to break the xylan main chain and release bound glucose from the fiber structure makes it a suitable strategy to feed wheat-based diets to pigs, especially after weaning where, in addition to improving digestibility, xylanase can contribute to promote pig heath. We evaluated the effects of increasing levels of xylanase in wheat–soybean meal-based diets with reduced metabolizable energy on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fermentation products, and digesta viscosity in weaned pigs. As a result, xylanase did not affect growth indicators, such as body weight, average daily gain or feed efficiency. However, xylanase supplementation led to a lower incidence of diarrhea, especially in the second- and third-week post-weaning. In addition, nutrient digestibility, particularly fiber components, improved linearly, which was associated with a reduction in digesta viscosity in the colon and changes in cecal volatile fatty acid profiles. In conclusion, xylanase supplementation can improve fiber digestibility and reduce digesta viscosity in the hindgut, which could be related with decreasing the occurrence of looseness. However, its effects on growth were not expressive in wheat-based diets with energy reduction. (1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary xylanase addition on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acids, and digesta viscosity at different digestive sites in weaned pigs fed wheat–soybean meal-based diets with reduced metabolizable energy. (2) Methods: A total of 312 weaned pigs (5.1 ± 0.9 kg, 20 ± 2 days of age) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments. The experimental diets were formulated in a three-phase nursery feeding program: phase 1 (d0–d7), phase 2 (d8–d21), and phase 3 (d22–d42). The experimental diets consisted of a wheat–soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet pig requirements (positive control, PC); the PC diet with a reduction of 100 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) (negative control, NC); and the NC diet with either 900, 1800, 3600, or 7200 units of xylanase. Feed disappearance and body weight were measured at d7, 14, 21, and 42 in the nursery phase. The pen fecal score was assessed daily from d0 to d14 and three times a week from d15 to d28. On d21–d24 of the experiment (12 pigs per day), one pig per pen was selected for sample collection: ileal, cecal, and mid-colon digesta for viscosity and ileal digesta, feces for nutrient digestibility, and feces and cecal digesta for the measurement of volatile fatty acid. (3) Results: The addition of xylanase to the NC diets did not improve pig growth performance (body weight, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain; p > 0.10) during the entire nursery phase. In Week 2 and Week 3, pigs fed xylanase had a lower (χ2 < 0.05) incidence of fecal scores 3 and 4 (diarrhea) than the PC and NC diets. In addition, the apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly (p < 0.1) in response to xylanase addition. Xylanase addition (900 to 7200 U) decreased digesta viscosity in the colon compared to the PC and NC diets. Furthermore, xylanase addition resulted in a lower (p < 0.05) concentration of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, and total volatile fatty acid in cecal samples compared to PC. The addition of xylanase resulted in greater acetic and valeric acid concentrations in cecal samples compared to the NC group (p < 0.10). (4) Conclusions: Xylanase addition can improve nutrient digestibility, particularly at the total tract level, and reduce viscosity in the hindgut, which could be related to decreasing the occurrence of looseness. However, its impact on growth performance was minimal in wheat–soybean meal-based diets with a reduction of 100 kcal of ME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile fatty acids (VFAs) productions, as well as particulate organics decomposition, soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) yield, and the VFAs production pathways from mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic fermentation in waste activated sludge were investigated. Batch experiments showed that the decomposition rate of volatile suspended solids (VSS), particulate carbohydrate (P–C) and particulate protein (P–P) followed the first-order kinetic model at different temperatures. However, the intermediates, accumulated in the process of protein or carbohydrate digestion had a more significant inhibitory effect on the production of VFAs during the mesophilic anaerobic acidification process. The production of VFAs by thermophilic anaerobic fermentation is 2086.05 mg COD/L, which is about twice the production under mesophilic conditions. Among them, the concentration and proportion of high molecular weight organic acids such as isobutyric acid (320.29 mgCOD/L) and isovaleric acid (745.75 mgCOD/L) are relatively high. Then 13C stable isotope labelling experiment demonstrated that, the decomposition of carbohydrates yields 77% acetic acid and 86% butyric acid, while protein breakdown produces 85% propionic acid and 99% valeric acid. This confirms that carbohydrates are more favourable for the formation of even-carbon organic acids, while proteins tend to yield odd-carbon organic acids. Additionally, this helps refine the pathway for valeric acid formation during anaerobic acidogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Nicotinamide (NAM) is easily degraded in the rumen, but the rumen-protected NAM (RPN) supplementation might enable the use of NAM in ruminants. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of RPN supplementation on growth performance, rumen fermentation, antioxidant status and amino acid (AA) metabolism in growing lambs. Methods: A total of 128 healthy and similar lambs (21.3±0.28 kg, 70±6.3 days of age) were allotted to 1 of 4 groups. The treatments were 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/d RPN supplementation. The RPN products (50% bioavailability) were fed at 0700 h every day for 12 weeks. All lambs were fed the same pelleted total mixed rations to allow ad libitum consumption and had free access to water. Results: The RPN tended to increase the average daily gain and feed efficiency. The tendencies of RPNxday interaction were found for dry matter intake during the entire study (p = 0.078 and 0.073, respectively). The proportions of acetic acid, isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid were decreased, whereas the proportions of propionic acid and valeric acid were increased (p<0.05). The ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid was decreased (p<0.05). Moreover, the antioxidative status was enhanced and the glucose concentration was increased by RPN (p<0.05). In addition, 17 AAs were detected in plasma, of which 11 AAs were increased by RPN (p<0.05). Plasma metabolomics analysis identified 1,395 compounds belonging to 15 classes, among which 7 peptides were significantly changed after RPN supplementation. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggested that RPN supplementation favoured the rumen fermentation pattern to propionic acid-type with benefited glucose metabolism, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and changed the AA and small peptide metabolism. This study provides a new perspective for studying the relationship between vitamin and AA metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mice with acute gouty arthritis, this study intends to examine the mechanism of action of Akkermansia muciniphila AKK PROBIO. We developed a mouse model of acute gouty arthritis using sodium urate. The efficiency and mechanism of AKK PROBIO in preventing acute gouty arthritis in mice were then determined by examining the degree of foot swelling, pain threshold, blood biochemical indicators, histological alterations, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression changes. The results of the animal experiment showed that AKK PROBIO can lessen mouse foot edema severity and increase pain threshold. AKK PROBIO can enhance the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of glutathione (GSH) in the ankle joint tissues of mice with acute arthritis while decreasing the enzyme activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 10 (IL‐10), interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels are all reduced by AKK PROBIO in the blood of mice with acute arthritis. Results from histopathology showed that AKK PROBIO reduced tissue damage in the mouse ankle and foot joints. In the tissues of the ankle joints of mice with acute arthritis, the results of the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot experiments suggested that AKK PROBIO may inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the tissues. AKK PROBIO can also regulate gut microbiota, inhibit harmful bacteria, and enhance valeric acid in the intestine, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid. Therefore, it is evident that AKK PROBIO prevents acute gouty arthritis better than glucosamine sulfate. It is a strain that has probiotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder that impacts both the endocrine and metabolic systems, often resulting in infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of intestinal flora and its metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in the development of PCOS, and to assess the effects of metformin therapy on these components. SCFA levels in fecal and blood samples from women with PCOS ( n = 69 ) and healthy controls ( n = 18 ) were analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for precise measurement. Fecal microbiota were quantitatively detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To assess the efficacy of six months of metformin treatment, changes in the microbiota and SCFAs in the PCOS group ( n = 69 ) were also evaluated. The results revealed that women with PCOS exhibited a significant reduction in beneficial bacteria (namely, the C. leptum group and Prevotella spp.) alongside a notable overgrowth of opportunistic microorganisms (C. perfringens, C. difficile, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp.). An overproduction of acetic acid (AA, FC = 0.47 , p < 0.05 ) and valeric acid (VA, FC = 0.54 , p < 0.05 ) suggests a link between elevated SCFAs and the development of obesity and PCOS. Interestingly, AA in the bloodstream might offer a protective effect against PCOS by ameliorating key symptoms such as high body mass index ( r = − 0.33 , p = 0.02 ), insulin resistance ( r = − 0.39 , p = 0.02 ), and chronic inflammation. Although serum SCFA levels showed non-significant changes following metformin treatment ( p > 0.05 ), the normalization of AA in the gut underscores that metformin exerts a more pronounced effect locally within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the study identified the most effective model for predicting the success of metformin therapy, based on serum concentrations of butyric acid (BA) and VA, achieving a 91% accuracy rate, 100% sensitivity, and 80% specificity. These promising findings highlight the potential for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatments, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for women with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household food waste (HFW), which is rich in organic matter, is a good candidate for producing added-value bio-based chemicals, such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs), by acidogenic fermentation processes. However, the lack of design tools, such as appropriate kinetic models, hinders the implementation of this technology because the results of these processes are affected by operational factors. In this work, VFA production by the acidogenic fermentation of HFW under uncontrolled pH levels (4–5) was studied at thermophilic (55 °C) and mesophilic (35 °C) temperature conditions. Batch reactors were used to digest HFW, and VFA production and the individual acid distributions were measured at different fermentation times from 0 to 624 h. The results showed higher individual and total VFA production at 35 °C and 120 h of fermentation time as a consequence of the competition between the VFA production and decomposition reactions. Acetic and valeric acids were VFAs mainly produced as a result of a high content of proteins in the initial substrate, and a small amount of propionic and butyric acids were present. A simplified kinetic model was successfully developed to represent the complex process of VFA formation from the acidogenic fermentation of HFW. A simple mechanism for the production–decomposition of VFAs, corresponding to a zero-order reaction for the first 48 h and a single consecutive reaction from that time on, was proposed. For both mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, the suggested kinetic model was able to predict the individual and total concentrations of VFAs along the fermentation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an extruded whole-grain sorghum beverage containing L. paracasei on body composition, lipid profiles, and intestinal health in overweight and obese adults. (2) Methods: A chronic, single-blind randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 30 volunteers allocated to three groups (n = 10/group): extruded sorghum beverage (ESB), extruded sorghum beverage with L. paracasei (ESPB), and control beverage (CB) (waxy maize starch). The chemical composition of the beverages was analyzed. Volunteers consumed the beverages for ten weeks at breakfast, along with individual dietary prescriptions. Body composition, biochemical markers, gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acids, fecal pH, and stool L. paracasei DNA concentration were analyzed at the beginning and end of the intervention period. (3) Results: The ESB showed better composition than the CB, particularly in terms of resistant starch content, total phenolic compounds, condensed tannins, and antioxidant capacity. Both the ESB and the ESPB had an effect on body composition (estimated total visceral fat and waist volume), biochemical markers (Castelli index I), and intestinal health (Bristol scale, diarrhea score, valeric acid, and L. paracasei DNA concentration). No changes were observed in the CB group after the intervention. (4) Conclusions: Whole-grain sorghum beverages demonstrated good nutritional value, and consumption of these beverages, with or without L. paracasei, provided health benefits, including improvements in body composition, Castelli index I scores, and intestinal health, in overweight and obese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effects of blackcurrant (BC) anthocyanins on concentrations of microbial-derived short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) and metabolites of phytoestrogens. We then examined their associations with six-month changes in whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) and biomarkers of bone metabolism. Methods: Fecal and blood samples from a pilot randomized controlled trial were collected and analyzed from 37 eligible peri- and early postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years who were randomized into one of three treatment groups consuming one placebo capsule (control), 392 mg BC (low BC) or 784 mg BC (high BC) daily for six months. Results: Significant differences were observed between groups at baseline in acetic, propionic, valeric, caproic and heptanoic acids (p < 0.05). Isobutyric acid significantly decreased from baseline (0 months) to six months in the control group (p < 0.05) and the high BC group had a significantly greater concentration than the control group at six months (p < 0.05). Butyric acid was significantly greater in the high BC group than low BC at six months (p < 0.05). Six-month changes in caproic and isobutyric acids showed weak correlations with changes in whole-body BMD (r = 0.3519, p < 0.05 and r = 0.3465, p < 0.05, respectively). Isovaleric and valeric acids displayed weak correlations with BALP (r = 0.3361, p < 0.05) and OPG (r = 0.3593, p < 0.05), respectively. Enterodiol was positively correlated with BALP (r = 0.6056, p < 0.01) while enterolactone was positively correlated with osteocalcin (r = 0.5902, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with sclerostin (r = −0.3485, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that BC may be a potential dietary agent to reduce postmenopausal bone loss through modulating microbially-derived SCCAs and phytoestrogen metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wheat germ is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease resistance properties in animals. However, its effect on the gut of Sichuan white geese remains unclear. Method: In this study, thirty 250-day-old geese were divided into three equal groups, the control group, LWG group (21.8% wheat germ) and HWG group (43.6% wheat germ), the experiment lasted 12 weeks. We assessed various aspects of geese intestinal health, including barrier function, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, immunity, microbiota, and metabolism. Results: The study revealed a significant increase in villus height (VH), villus height-to-crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio, amylase, and lipase activities in the duodenum and ileum, increased putrescine levels in the duodenum and jejunum, as well as spermidine levels in the jejunum (P < 0.05). LWG increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the duodenum, while decreasing levels of intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA), serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LWG increased the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae_unclassified, Ligilactobacillus, and Roseburia, as well as increased levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid, while decreasing the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum, Flavonifractor, and Klebsiella. Additionally, we observed 17 up-regulated genes and 25 down-regulated genes in the jejunum, which are associated with the cell cycle and immunity. These genes play roles in pathways such as the p53 signaling pathway, cell cycle regulation, and pathways associated with immune modulation. On the other hand, HWG increased intestinal VH and spermidine levels, as well as amylase and lipase activities in the duodenum (P < 0.05). It also elevated ileal T-AOC and sIgA levels (P < 0.05), while reducing intestinal MDA content, serum LPS levels, DAO activity, and propionic acid in cecum contents (P < 0.05). Moreover, HWG increased the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Oscillospiraceae_unclassified, and Roseburia (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, wheat germ diets, particularly the LWG diet demonstrated the ability to enhance antioxidant capacity, digestibility, immunity, and barrier properties of the intestinal tract, while modulating the gut microbiota and metabolism. Therefore, wheat germ diets hold promise in improving intestinal health by preserving barrier function and regulating flora structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment explored the effects of supplementing different energy levels of concentrate feed on the serum biochemical indicators, growth performance, and ruminal fermentation parameters of Tianzhu white yak. The experiment was divided into two periods: The first period involved concentrate supplementation during the winter and spring grazing period, and the second period was the lush grass grazing period without supplementation. A total of 30 healthy male Tianzhu white yak calves, aged six months and weighing (46.62±4.37) kg, were selected and randomly divided into three groups with five replicates in each group and two yaks in each replicate according to a randomized block design. The control group was normally grazed without concentrate supplementation, while the experimental group I and group II were supplemented with concentrate feeds with metabolizable energy of 10.83 and 11.76 MJ/kg after grazing, respectively. The initial feeding amount of concentrate was 0.70 kg per head, with an increase of 0.05 kg every 15 days, and the final supplementation amount was 1.20 kg per head. The experimental period was 365 days, with a supplementation period of 150 days during the winter and spring, and a normal grazing period of 215 days. The results showed that cold-season supplementation increased the weight and weight gain of yaks at 11, 12, and 18 months of age, and during the periods of 6~11 months and 12~18 months of age (P<0.05), with group II having higher weight and weight gain at all ages compared to group I (P<0.05). The Gompertz model fit better than the Bertalantty model for all groups, with the experimental groups having higher breakpoint weights and breakpoint months than the control group, and group II having the highest breakpoint weight and month. The ruminal fluid acetic acid content, acetic acid/propionic acid ratio, and pH value in groups I and II were lower than in the control group (P<0.05), while the concentrations of propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and ammonia nitrogen were higher than in the control group (P<0.05), and the ammonia nitrogen concentration in the group II was higher than that in the experimental group I (P<0.05). The serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total protein concentration in groups I and II were higher than in the control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that cold-season supplementation with different energy levels of concentrate feed promoted the growth and development of yak calves, altered the ruminal fermentation patterns, and serum biochemical indicators, with the supplementation of concentrate feed with a metabolizable energy of 11.76 MJ/kg showing better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: With the development of technology and science, automated farming methods have gradually begun to replace traditional manual feeding methods, offering advantages such as precise feeding and reduced labor costs. However, there is still a lack of extensive research on the effects of different feeding methods on the reproductive performance of pigs and the diversity of their intestinal microbiota. This study analyzed the reproductive performance of Yorkshire pigs fed the same diet under different feeding methods, and further explored the diversity of their intestinal microbiota, aiming to elucidate the interactions between feeding methods, intestinal microbiota, and reproductive phenotypes, in order to understand the impact of the interaction between feeding methods and intestinal microbiota on host reproductive performance. This study aims to provide a certain theoretical and experimental basis for the promotion of automated feeding modes. The feeding mode is an important factor affecting the reproductive performance of pigs. The composition and expression of the intestinal microbiota are closely related to the physiological and biochemical indicators of animals. Therefore, to explore the impact of different feeding patterns on the reproductive performance of pigs, this study collected reproductive performance data from 1607 Yorkshire pigs raised under different feeding patterns and conducted a fixed-effect variance analysis. Among them, 731 were in the artificial feeding (AM) group and 876 were in the feeding station feeding (SM) group. Additionally, 40 Yorkshire sows in the late gestation period were randomly selected from each feeding mode for intestinal microbiota analysis. The results of the analysis showed that, in the AM group, both the number of birth deformities (NBD) and the number of stillbirths (NSB) were significantly greater than they were in the SM group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the total number born (TNB) in the AM group was significantly lower than that in the SM group (p < 0.05). The results of the intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that at the phylum level, there were significant differences in nine bacterial taxa between the AM and SM groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of a variety of beneficial bacteria related to reproductive performance in the SM group was significantly greater than that in the AM group. Finally, fecal metabolomic analysis revealed that the contents of butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and isobutyric acid, which are associated with reproductive performance, in the feces of sows in the SM group were significantly higher than those in the AM group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that different feeding methods can affect the gut microbiota composition of Yorkshire pigs and further influence the reproductive performance of pigs through the gut microbiota–metabolic product pathway. The results of this study provide valuable insights for further exploring the relationships between feeding modes, intestinal microbial composition, and host phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Branched-chain hydroxy acids (BCHAs) as bioactive metabolites of Lactobacillaceae include 2-hydroxy isovaleric acid (HIVA), 2-hydroxy isocaproic acid (HICA), and 2-hydroxy-3-methyl isovaleric acid (HMVA). Combining targeted and untargeted metabolomics, this study elucidates differences in extracellular BCHA production in Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, and Latilactobacillus sakei alongside comparing comprehensive metabolic changes. Through targeted metabolomics, BCHA production among 38 strains exhibited strain specificity, except for L. sakei, which showed significantly lower BCHA production. Explaining the lower production in L. sakei, which lacks the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-utilizing pathway, comparison of BCHA production by precursor reaction revealed that the pathway utilizing BCAAs is more dominant than the pathway utilizing pyruvate. Expanding upon the targeted approach, untargeted metabolomics revealed the effects of the reaction compound on other metabolic pathways besides BCHAs. Metabolism alterations induced by BCAA reactions varied among species. Significant differences were observed in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, butanoate metabolism, and galactose metabolism (p < 0.05). These results emphasize the importance of the synergy between fermentation strains and substrates in influencing nutritional components of fermented foods. By uncovering novel aspects of BCAA metabolism pathways, this study could inform the selection of fermentation strains and support the targeted production of BCHAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a characteristic endocrine disruptor, is a substance that seriously interferes with the human endocrine system and causes reproductive disorders and developmental abnormalities. However, its toxic effects on the gut-liver-hormone axis are still unclear. Method: Male and female rats were exposed to BPA (300 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 60 consecutive days. H&E staining was used for histopathological evaluation, and the serum biochemical indexes were determined using an automatic analyzer. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to detect the intestinal microbial diversity, and the GC-MS was used to analyze the contents of shortchain fatty acids (SCFAs) in colon contents. UPLC-QTOF MS was used to analyze the related metabolites. The ELISA method was used to assess the levels of serum inflammatory factors. Results: Histopathological analysis indicated that the liver, heart, and testis were affected by BPA. There was a significant effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the male-BPA group (P < 0.05), and globulin (GLB), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ALT, TG, TC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and creatinine (Cr) in the female-BPA group (P < 0.05). Metagenomics (16S rRNA gene sequencing) analysis indicated that BPA reduced the diversity and changed the composition of gut microbiota in rats significantly. Compared with the control and blank groups, the contents of caproic acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and propanoic acid in the colon contents decreased in the male-BPA group (P < 0.05), and caproic acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid in the colon contents decreased in the female-BPA group (P < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis of the serum indicated that BPA could regulate bile acid levels, especially ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and its conjugated forms. The contents of amino acids, hormones, and lipids were also significantly affected after exposure to BPA. The increase in interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) in the serum of the male-BPA group suggests that BPA exposure affects the immune system. Conclusion: BPA exposure will cause toxicity to rats via disrupting the gut-liverhormone axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful Maillard reaction products (HMRPs) derived from brown fermented milk pose a potential threat to human health, but the conversion mechanism during the manufacturing process remains elusive and urgently needs to be controlled. Acrylamide (FC 2.14, adjusted p -value = 0.041), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (FC 2.61, adjusted p -value = 0.026) and methylglyoxal (FC 2.07, adjusted p -value = 0.019) were identified as the significantly increased HMRPs after browning in this study and the analysis of proteomics integrated with untargeted metabolomics demonstrated that the degradation of HMRPs was jointly accomplished by Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. The galactose oligosaccharide metabolism in Streptococcus thermophilus was identified as a key biochemical reaction for HMRPs degradation, and the hydrolysates of pectin could be utilized as prebiotics for Streptococcus thermophilus. Eighteen classes of enzymes of L. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus related to energy metabolism were upregulated in the pectin-added group, indicating that the entry of acrylamide and methylglyoxal into the tricarboxylic acid cycle was accelerated. NAD-aldehyde dehydrogenase and alanine dehydrogenase are enzymes belonging to Streptococcus thermophilus, and their downregulation accelerated the efflux of acetate, which was beneficial for the proliferation of L. bulgaricus and prevented the conversion of pyruvate to l -alanine, thus facilitating the energy metabolism. The recoveries and relative standard deviations of the intraday and interday precision experiments were 89.1%-112.5%, 1.3%-8.4% and 2.1%-9.4%, respectively, indicating that the developed approach was credible. Sensory evaluation results revealed that the brown fermented milk added with pectin had a better flavor, which was due to the fact that the supplement of polysaccharide promoted the fatty acid metabolism of lactic acid bacteria and increased the aroma substances including octoic acid and valeric acid. This study provided an insight into the formation and degradation mechanism of HMRPs in brown fermented milk, aiming to reduce the intake of advanced glycation end products in the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy was combined with quantum chemical calculations to characterize valeric acid conformers. Geometries and vibrational spectra of possible valeric acid conformers were calculated using MP2 and B3LYP levels of theory. MP2 calculations predict that the most stable form of valeric acid is a nonlinear aliphatic chain conformer, this contradicts B3LYP findings. Infrared absorption spectra of valeric acid isolated in argon and neon matrices exhibit complicated band structures suggesting the presence of more than one structure of valeric acid trapped in the matrices. A comparison of calculated and experimental spectra allowed us to conclude that three conformers are trapped in argon and neon matrices. Two of them, the linear chain called here TTTT and nonlinear TGTT, are found in equal distribution while the third one GGTT is less populated, at the 1:3 ratio to the most stable one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oocytes and embryos are highly sensitive to environmental stress in vivo and in vitro. During in vitro culture, many stressful conditions can affect embryo quality and viability, leading to adverse clinical outcomes such as abortion and congenital abnormalities. In this study, we found that valeric acid (VA) increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content, decreased the level of reactive oxygen species that the mitochondria generate, and thus improved mitochondrial function during early embryonic development in pigs. VA decreased expression of the autophagy-related factors LC3B and BECLIN1. Interestingly, VA inhibited expression of autophagy-associated phosphorylation-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), phosphorylation-UNC-51-like autophagy-activated kinase 1 (p-ULK1, Ser555), and ATG13, which reduced apoptosis. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can signal through G-protein-coupled receptors on the cell membrane or enter the cell directly through transporters. We further show that the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) was necessary for the effects of VA on embryo quality, which provides a new molecular perspective of the pathway by which SCFAs affect embryos. Importantly, VA significantly inhibited the AMPK-ULK1 autophagic signaling pathway through MCT1, decreased apoptosis, increased expression of embryonic pluripotency genes, and improved embryo quality. • VA significantly increased blastocyst formation rate, mitochondrial activity, while decreasing reactive oxygen species accumulation. • MCT1-mediated VA uptake could promote ATP production and inhibited p-AMPK in the embryo. • VA regulates the AMPK-ULK1 pathway to reduce autophagy and apoptosis and improve early embryo quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As perovskite photovoltaic devices can now compete with silicon technology in terms of efficiency, many strategies are investigated to improve their stability. In particular, degradation reactions can be hindered by appropriate device encapsulation, device architecture, and perovskite formulation. Mesoporous device architectures with a carbon electrode offer a plausible solution for the future commercialization of perovskite solar cells. They represent a low‐cost and stable solution with high potential for large‐scale production. Several studies have already demonstrated the potential of the mixed 2D/3D ammonium valeric acid iodide‐based MAPbI3 formulation to increase the lifetime of pure MAPbI3. They can however not describe the mechanisms responsible for the lifetime improvement. Using a full set of characterization techniques in the initial state and as a function of time during damp‐heat aging, new insights into the performance and degradation mechanisms may be observed. With (5‐AVA)0.05MA0.95PbI3, the solar cells are very stable up to 3500 h and the degradation of performances essentially results from the loss of electrical contacts mainly located at the interfaces. In contrast, for the neat MAPbI3, a poor stability is evidenced (T50 = 500 h) and the loss in performance results from the degradation of the bulk perovskite layer itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Understanding how forage can be utilized in the rumen is important for optimizing system efficiency. We aimed to evaluate the ruminal fermentation parameters and methane (CH4) production of Marandu palisadegrass [Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster] growing in monoculture or in integrated systems. The experiment was conducted over 3 years to evaluate four systems [livestock (L), livestock‐forestry (LF), crop‐livestock (CL), and crop‐livestock‐forestry (CLF)] during the dry and rainy seasons. In the dry season, palisadegrass in CLF presented the greater crude protein (CP) and the lesser neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentrations. The greatest gas volume was produced in L, while LF and CL reduced CH4 production compared to L. The greatest ammoniacal‐nitrogen concentration, propionate and valeric acid proportions, and degradability of NDF were in CLF. In the rainy season, palisadegrass in LF and CLF presented the greater CP concentration and the lesser CH4 production. Integration of crop and forestry components in a forage‐based livestock system affected ruminal fermentation parameters of Marandu palisadegrass, consequently, reducing CH4 production. In addition, the inclusion of a forestry component enhanced forage CP concentration. Integrated systems can improve ruminal fermentation, supporting sustainable livestock production and optimizing forage utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to evaluate the impact of different ratios of fermented rice straw and peanut straw on the in vitro rumen fermentation of Hu sheep by the gas production method. The straw and peanut straw were combined in the following proportions for the fermentation test: 100∶0 (Group T0), 80∶20 (Group T20), 60∶40 (Group T40), 40∶60 (Group T60), 20∶80 (Group T80), and 0∶100 (Group T100). Five Hu sheep in good health with similar body weights were selected as rumen fluid donors. The experiment determined the in vitro fermentation parameters, including the degradation rate of conventional nutrients, gas production parameters, in vitro fermentation parameters, 72-hour degradation rate of conventional nutrients, single combination effect, and multiple combination effect. The results showed that Group T80 had the highest gas production at 72 hours, which was significantly higher than all other groups except for Group T100 (P<0.05). As the proportion of peanut straw increased, the concentration of NH3-N, total volatile fatty acids, propionic acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, and isobutyric acid in the culture fluid of all groups showed an increasing and then decreasing trend. The multiple combination effect (MFAEI) of Group T80 was superior to other combinations. The study indicates that different ratios of fermented straw and peanut straw combinations can produce positive synergistic effects. Among them, the combination of fermented straw to peanut straw at a ratio of 20∶80 exhibits a better synergistic effect, which can improve the utilization rate of roughage by the Hu sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress (HS) causes severe economic losses in sheep industry worldwide. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a herbal formula (HF) supplement on growth, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbes in fattening lambs under HS. The HF composed of four herbs was prepared based on the theory of compatibility of Chinese medicine "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi". Two-hundred forty 3-month weaned lambs (initial weight 36.61 ± 0.73 kg) were randomly allocated into four groups, supplemented 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% HF in diets. All lambs were exposed to HS conditions with 79.7 of average temperature–humidity index throughout an experimental period of 35 days. Growth performance, apparent digestibility, and antioxidant activities, involving antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins (HSPs), were measured at the end of trial, as well as microbial communities in bacteria and archaea. Results showed that 0.5% HF increased (P = 0.02) average daily gain by 13.80% and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (P = 0.03) by 14.68%, compared to control. With increasing HF doses, the digestibility of ether extract and acid detergent fiber demonstrated a cubical (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P = 0.03) relation, respectively; moreover, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities demonstrated a quadratic increase (P < 0.01). Serum levels of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 for 0.5% HF were lower than that in control (P < 0.05). On the other hand, total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid levels exhibited quadratic increases (P ≤ 0.01) with HF doses. From rumen microbes, the abundance and diversity of bacterial community were improved by HF supplements. Particularly for 0.5% HF group, the operational taxonomic units were the greatest among all groups. Compared to control, Prevotella abundance for HF supplements from 0.5 to 1.5% increased by 35.57 to 60.15%, and Succiniclasticum abundance demonstrated a quadratic pattern (P = 0.02) with doses. Additionally, Methanosphaera abundance in archaeal community raised by 0.2 to 3.3-folds when lambs were fed the HF additions of 0.5 to 1.5%. In summary, dietary HF supplements would contribute to alleviating HS in lambs, and our results suggest the optimal dose of 0.5% HF supplement in diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Metabolites of intestinal microorganisms play an important role in the growth process of animals, and there are differences in the feeding behavior of animals of different sexes. The aim of this study was to reveal the sex differences in intestinal microbial metabolites of Hainan special wild boars. This study shows that the highest number of differential metabolites was found between entire males and females, the differential metabolites were enriched in more metabolic pathways, and castration reduced this difference. This study provides a certain metabolite database for future precision feeding of Hainan special wild boars and other pig breeds of different sexes. The intestinal microbiota and its metabolites are essential for the health and growth development of animals. Current research indicates that sex has a certain impact on the structure and function of the intestinal microbiota, but there are few reports on sex differences in intestinal microbiota metabolites, including those of castrated male animals. This study aimed to explore the impact of sex on the intestinal microbial metabolites of Hainan special wild boars (10 entire male pigs, 10 female pigs, and 10 castrated male pigs, denoted EM, FE, and CM, respectively) by employing non-targeted metabolomics and gas chromatography. A total of 1086 metabolites were detected, with the greatest number of differential metabolites observed between EM and FE (54 differential metabolites, including 18 upregulated and 36 downregulated metabolites), the fewest between CM and FE (7 differential metabolites, including 1 upregulated and 6 downregulated metabolites), and an intermediate number between CM and EM (47 differential metabolites, including 35 upregulated and 12 downregulated metabolites). Differential metabolites were involved in more pathways between EM and FE and between CM and EM, including amino acid metabolism and digestive system pathways, whereas differential metabolites were involved in the fewest pathways between CM and FE. Correlation analysis showed Ruminococcaceae UCG-009, uncultured_bacterium_o_SAR324_cladeMarine_group_B, and Candidatus Saccharimonas contributed to the production of metabolites such as trehalose, docosatrienoic acid, D(−)-beta-hydroxy butyric acid, and acetyl-DL-leucine. The levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid were significantly higher in EM than in FE, with CM falling between the two. Streptococcus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group showed a significant positive correlation with the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group, uncultured_bacterium_f_p–251–o5 and Ruminococcaceae_UCG–005 showed a significant negative correlation with the generation of SCFAs. This study provides foundational data and significant insights into precision feeding strategies for Hainan special wild boars of different sexes, as well as the study of sex differences in intestinal microbial metabolites in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Northwest A & F University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Despite serious health and social consequences, effective intervention strategies for habitual alcohol binge drinking are lacking. The development of novel therapeutic and preventative approaches is highly desirable. Accumulating evidence in the past several years has established associations between the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites with drinking behavior, but druggable targets and their underlying mechanism of action are understudied. Results: Here, using a drink-in-the-dark mouse model, we identified a microbiome metabolite-based novel treatment (sodium valerate) that can reduce excessive alcohol drinking. Sodium valerate is a sodium salt of valeric acid short-chain fatty acid with a similar structure as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Ten days of oral sodium valerate supplementation attenuates excessive alcohol drinking by 40%, reduces blood ethanol concentration by 53%, and improves anxiety-like or approach-avoidance behavior in male mice, without affecting overall food and water intake. Mechanistically, sodium valerate supplementation increases GABA levels across stool, blood, and amygdala. It also significantly increases H4 acetylation in the amygdala of mice. Transcriptomics analysis of the amygdala revealed that sodium valerate supplementation led to changes in gene expression associated with functional pathways including potassium voltage-gated channels, inflammation, glutamate degradation, L-DOPA degradation, and psychological behaviors. 16S microbiome profiling showed that sodium valerate supplementation shifts the gut microbiome composition and decreases microbiome-derived neuroactive compounds through GABA degradation in the gut microbiome. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that sodium valerate holds promise as an innovative therapeutic avenue for the reduction of habitual binge drinking, potentially through multifaceted mechanisms. 4EUMY4VU8ayPcKT8VYWNUC Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alternative to improve the production of biorefinery products, such as biohydrogen (H2) and volatile fatty acids (VFA), is the combination of nanotechnology and biological processes. In order to compare the use of both processes in two different reactor configurations, batch reactors and continuous anaerobic fluidized bed reactors (AFBR) were studied under the same conditions (37°C, pH 6.8, Clostridium butyricum as an inoculum and glucose as a substrate) to evaluate the influence of zero valence iron and nickel nanoparticles (NPs) on H2 and VFA production. There was a shift in the production of acetic and butyric acids to produce mainly valeric acid when NPs were added in batch reactors. Meanwhile, in AFBR the change was from lactic acid to butyric and acetic acids with the addition of NPs. It showed that the effect of NPs on the fermentation process was different when the configuration of batch and continuous reactors was compared. The H2 yield in both reactor configurations increased with the addition of NPs. In batch reactors from 6.6 to 8.0 mmol H2 g−1 of COD and in AFBR from 4.9 to 6.2 mmol of H2 g−1 of COD. Therefore, given the simplicity and low cost of the synthesis of metallic NPs, it is a promising additive to optimize the fermentation process in different reactor configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous reports have mainly investigated the long-term effects (>30 d), such as gut microbiota dysbiosis and systemic low-grade inflammation, in mice fed fried oil. However, short-term intake of deep-fried oil is more likely to occur in daily life, and such studies are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of fried oil intake on systemic low-grade inflammation. Male Kunming mice were fed non-fried soybean oil or low (25%), medium (50%), or high (100%)—fried oil at 4.4 g/kg for 6 d. Serum and fecal samples were collected on day 7. In all groups fed fried oil, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were significantly elevated 2-4-fold. Among the gut microbiota, the abundance of Alloprevotella significantly decreased by up to 76%, while Lactobacilli significantly increased by up to 385%. The fecal valeric acid content was significantly increased and positively correlated with TNF-α levels. Both valeric acid and TNF-α levels were positively correlated with the abundance of Lactobacilli and negatively correlated with that of Alloprevotella. In summary, a short-term ingestion of even low doses of fried oil alters the gut microbiota Alloprevotella and Lactobacilli and increases fecal valeric acid content, which correlates with increased serum TNF-α levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although addition of pyrolyzed organic materials (biochars) to soil generally results in increased growth and physiological performance of plants, neutral and negative responses have also commonly been detected. Toxicity of organic compounds generated during pyrolysis, sorbed by biochars, and then released into the soil solution, has been implicated as a possible mechanism for such negative effects. Conversely, water-soluble biochar constituents have also been suggested to have "hormetic" effects (positive effects on plants at low concentrations); however, no specific compounds responsible have been identified. We investigated the relative phytotoxicity—and possible hormetic effects—of 14 organic compounds common in aqueous extracts of freshly produced lignocellulosic biochars, using seed germination bioassays. Of the compounds examined, volatile fatty acids (VFAs: acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, caproic, and 2-ethylbutyric acids) and phenol, showed acute phytotoxicity, with germination-based ED50 values of 1–30 mmol L−1, and 2-ethylbutyric acid showed ED50 values of 0.1–1.0 mmol L−1. Other compounds (benzene, benzoic acid, butanone, methyl salicylate, toluene, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol) showed toxic effects only at high concentrations close to solubility limits. Although phytotoxic at high concentrations, valeric and caproic acid also showed detectable hormetic effects on seedlings, increasing radicle extension by 5–15% at concentrations of ~ 0.01–0.1 mmol L−1. These data support the hypothesis that VFAs are the main agents responsible for phytotoxic effects of lignocellulosic biochar leachates, but that certain VFAs also have hormetic effects at low concentrations and may contribute to positive effects of biochar leachates on early plant development in some cases. Highlights: 151 compounds were identified in leachates from 13 biochars. Among common compounds, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and phenol showed the most pronounced phytotoxic effects. Some VFAs also had hormetic effects, enhancing radicle extension growth at low concentrations. Effects were consistent among test plant species but the smallest-seeded species showed the highest sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: The rumen is the most important digestive organ of ruminants, and its rich microbial co−evolved with the host to play a crucial role in immunomodulation, defense, digestive metabolism, animal productivity, and meat quality control. It also forms a complex regulatory network with host genes and phenotypes that are involved in maintaining organismal homeostasis. In this study, we compared the differences in rumen microorganisms between crossbred progeny of sheep and Hu sheep, identified key biomarkers, and analyzed their relationship with rumen function. The results showed that microbial diversity was significantly higher in crossbred progeny, which was able to alter the microbial community structure to regulate rumen fermentation, promote carbon homeostasis, and enhance amino acid metabolism. In addition, there were significant correlations between biomarkers and key traits. Therefore, we suggest that there is a link between sheep rumen microbes and differential traits in crossbred progeny, which provides new insights for sheep trait improvement. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three–way hybrid sheep and Hu sheep on serum indicators, rumen fermentation, rumen enzyme activity, and microorganisms in sheep. Healthy and similar birth weights from three groups (Hu, n = 11; Charolais × Australian White × Hu, CAH, n = 11; Charolais × Dorper × Hu, CDH, n = 11) were selected to be fed by the ewes until 45 days of age. Subsequently, they were weaned intensively and underwent short–term fattening for 3 months along with selected male lambs fed intensively. During this period, they were fed and watered ad libitum. Blood and rumen fluid were collected and analyzed for serum indicators and rumen fluid microorganisms, enzyme activity, and VFA, respectively, at the end of the fattening period. Compared with Hu lamb, the offspring of the three–way hybrid lamb showed significant improvements in body weight, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine content. However, there was no significant effect on serum immunity and antioxidant indices. In addition, the rumen fluid volatile fatty acid (VFA) molar concentration and microcrystalline cellulose and lipase content were significantly lower in the three–way hybrid lamb compared to Hu lamb, but β–glucosidase, amylase, pepsin, and VFA molar ratio were not significantly affected. Subsequently, 16S rRNA sequencing diversity analysis revealed that three–way hybrid lamb significantly increased rumen microbial ACE and Chao1 indices compared to Hu lamb. Meanwhile, the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Synergistota significantly increased at the phylum level. Correlation analysis showed that Prevotella had the highest proportion, while Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group correlated most closely with others genus. The microbial communities isovaleric acid molar concentration and proportion were strongly correlated. In addition, there were significant differences in correlations between microbial communities and isobutyric acid, butyric acid and valeric acid content, and their molar proportion, but they were not significantly correlated with digestive enzymes. From the functional enrichment analysis, it was found that hybrid progeny were mainly enriched in the pyruvate metabolism, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, carbon metabolism, and quorum sensing pathways. In contrast, the Hu sheep were primarily enriched in the cysteine and methionine, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolite pathways. These results suggest that hybridization can play a role in regulating organismal metabolism and improve animal production performance by influencing the structure and characteristics of microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furfural is an industrial renewable platform chemical, which can be converted to useful furanics such as α-angelica lactone, carboxylic acids such as levulinic acid and valeric acid, or to higher carbon content products via condensation routes for producing drop-in fuel replacements and chemicals with diverse applications. These important conversion processes may be carried out in selective fashions, although they require adequate catalysts. They were successfully carried out using versatile, stable silica-wrapped niobium oxide nanostructured catalysts. For example, α-angelica lactone was converted in an integrated fashion to ethyl levulinate in 90% yield, and the esterification of levulinic and valeric acids gave ethyl levulinate in quantitative yield and ethyl valerate in 90% yield, respectively, at 140 °C. Catalytic, mechanistic and kinetic modelling studies shed light on the influence of the materials properties on the catalytic performances. These catalysts outperformed pure Nb2O5, as well as hydrothermally synthesized composites consisting of Nb2O5 nanoparticles embedded in a mesoporous siliceous matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract is a potential ruminal modulator endorsed by consumers for its inherent safety and acceptability. This in vitro study demonstrated that dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract increased the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, reduced gas production, and enhanced the rumen bacterial abundances. These findings suggest that dragon fruit peel polyphenol extract has the potential to improve ruminal fermentation of sika deer and provides a theoretical basis for dragon fruit peel polyphenol extract to be used as a functional feed additive for Sika deer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract (DFPE) on gas production, rumen fermentation, and bacterial communities in sika deer using an in vitro technique. Three treatments with different DFPE levels (DFPE0, base diet; DFPE5, base diet + 5 mg/g DFPE; DFPE10, base diet + 10 mg/g DFPE, respectively; n = 6) were implemented. The phenolic composition of DFPE, gas production (GP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and bacteria communities was evaluated after 24 h of incubation. The results showed that GP and NH3-N were reduced by DFPE supplementation. Total VFA, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid were increased (p < 0.05) by the addition of DFPE. No changes (p > 0.05) were observed in pH, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid. Additionally, the alpha indexes, including Sobs, Shannon, and Ace, were increased by DFPE supplementation. Moreover, at the phylum level, DFPE supplementation increased (p = 0.01) Bacteroidota but reduced (p < 0.01) Firmicutes. At the genus level, compared to DFPE0, the DFPE10 had increased relative abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (p < 0.01), norank_f_Muribaculaceae (p = 0.01), Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group (p < 0.01), Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < 0.01), and NK4A214_group (p < 0.01), decreased relative abundances of Streptococcus (p < 0.01), Oribacterium (p = 0.01), and Enterococcus (p < 0.01). Compared to DFPE0, DFPE5 had no change (p > 0.05) in all bacteria at the genus level except for decreased relative abundance of Enterococcus (p < 0.01). These results indicated that DFPE may be able to be used as a feed additive to enhance fermentation parameters and improve ruminal bacteria communities in Sika deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a central nervous system disease with the highest disability and mortality rate worldwide, and it is caused by a variety of factors. The most common medications for PD have side effects with limited therapeutic outcomes. Many studies have reported that chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) crossed blood-brain barrier to achieve a neuroprotective effect in PD. However, the role of COS in PD remains unclear. The present study demonstrated that COS increased dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and ameliorated dyskinesia in a PD mouse model. Moreover, COS reduced gut microbial diversity and faecal short-chain fatty acids. Valeric acid supplementation enhanced the inflammatory response in the colon and SN, and it reversed COS - suppressed dopamine neurons damage. Autophagy was involved in COS modulating inflammation through valeric acid. These results suggest that COS reduces bacterial metabolites - valeric acid, which diminishes inflammation via activating autophagy, ultimately alleviating PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented foods have shown promise in preventing or treating ulcerative colitis (UC) via regulating intestinal flora and correcting metabolic disorders. However, the prevention effect of fermented Wallace melon juice (FMJ) on UC is unclear. In this study, the effects of FMJ on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced UC were investigated via 16S rRNA sequencing and non‐targeted metabolomics. The results showed that FMJ was effective in alleviating the symptoms of UC, reducing histological damage and oxidative stress, decreasing the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. After FMJ treatment, the level of propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid increased by 14.1%, 44.4%, and 52.4% compared to DSS‐induced UC mice. Meanwhile, the levels of harmful bacteria such as Oscillospira, Bacteroidetes, and Erysipelotrichaceae and Clostridium decreased, while the levels of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium increased. Fecal metabolomics analysis identified 31 differential metabolites, which could regulate metabolic disorders in UC mice by controlling the primary bile acid biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis pathway. Additionally, the abundances of butyric acid, bile acids, and pantothenic acid were positively correlated with Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and other beneficial bacteria (R2 > 0.80, p < 0.01). The results indicated that FMJ played a role in regulating the structure of intestinal flora, which in turn helped in repairing metabolic disorders and alleviated colitis inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria can impact the host organism through their metabolites, with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) being the most important, including acetate (C2), propionate (C3), butyrate (C4), valerate (C5n), and isovalerate (C5i). This study aimed to identify the impact of enteral nutrition on SCFAs in children with cerebral palsy and to test the hypothesis that the type of nutrition in cerebral palsy affects gut SCFA levels. Cerebral palsy is a heterogeneous syndrome resulting from non-progressive damage to the central nervous system. The study group included 30 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, receiving enteral nutrition (Cerebral Palsy Enteral Nutrition (CPEN)) via gastrostomy. The first reference group (Cerebral Palsy Controls (CPCs)) consisted of 24 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy and fed orally on a regular diet. The second reference group (Healthy Controls (HCs)) consisted of 24 healthy children with no chronic disease and fed on a regular diet. Isolation and measurement of SCFAs were conducted using gas chromatography. Differences were observed in the median contents of isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid between the CPC group, which had significantly higher levels of those acids than the HC group. No differences were found between the CPEN and CPC groups nor between the CPEN and HC groups. We conclude that enteral nutrition in cerebral palsy has no influence on the levels of SCFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm birth (PTB) refers to delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Premature neonates exhibit higher neonatal morbidity and mortality rates than term neonates; therefore, predicting and preventing PTB are important. In this study, we investigated the potential of using short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, specific vaginal microbiota-derived metabolites, as a biomarker in predicting PTB using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) was collected from 89 pregnant women (29 cases of PTB vs. 60 controls) without evidence of other clinical infections, and SCFA levels were measured. Furthermore, the PTB group was divided into two subgroups based on birth timing after CVF sampling: delivery ≤ 2 days after sampling (n = 10) and ≥2 days after sampling (n = 19). The concentrations of propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, and heptanoic acid were significantly higher in the PTB group than in the term birth (TB) group (p < 0.05). In particular, the concentrations of propionic acid, isobutyric acid, hexanoic acid, and heptanoic acid were continuously higher in the PTB group than in the TB group (p < 0.05). In the delivery ≤ 2 days after sampling group, the propionic acid, isobutyric acid, hexanoic acid, and heptanoic acid levels were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated a significant association between specific SCFAs and PTB. We propose these SCFAs as potential biomarkers for the prediction of PTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To expound on the correlation between the microorganism communities and the formation of off-odour in Xuanwei ham, the microorganism communities and volatile compounds were investigated in the biceps femoris (BF) and semimembranosus (SM) of Xuanwei ham with different quality grades (normal ham and spoiled ham). The single molecule real-time sequencing showed that differential bacteria and fungi were more varied in normal hams than in spoiled hams. Headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC-MS) results indicated that aldehydes and alcohols were significantly higher in spoiled hams than those in normal hams (p < 0.05). The off-odour of spoiled hams was dominated by ichthyic, malodourous, sweaty, putrid, sour, and unpleasant odours produced by compounds such as trimethylamine (SM: 13.05 μg/kg), hexanal (BF: 206.46 μg/kg), octanal (BF: 59.52 μg/kg), methanethiol (SM: 12.85 μg/kg), and valeric acid (BF: 15.08 μg/kg), which are positively correlated with Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas sp., Aspergillus ruber, and Moraxella osloensis. Furthermore, the physicochemical property and quality characteristics results showed that high moisture (BF: 56.32 g/100 g), pH (BF: 6.63), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (SM: 1.98 MDA/kg), and low NaCl content (SM: 6.31%) were also responsible for the spoilage of hams with off-odour. This study provided a deep insight into the off-odour of Xuanwei ham from the perspective of microorganism communities and a theoretical basis for improving the flavour and overall quality of Xuanwei hams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanhua decoction (SHD), a traditional prescription, has long been used in treating ischemic stroke (IS). However, the therapeutic effect of SHD and the associated changes in gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are uncertain. In this study, a rat model of IS was established by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). By evaluating the cerebral infarct area and brain tissue pathology, it was found that SHD ameliorated IS-related symptoms in MCAO rats. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we found that SHD reduced abnormally elevated Lactobacillus and opportunistic pathogens such as Desulfovibrio, but increased some beneficial bacteria that produce SCFAs, including Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Coprococcus. KEGG analysis revealed that SHD regulates several pathways, including D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism, polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis, and cyanoamino acid metabolism, which are significantly altered in MCAO rats. By gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection of SCFAs, we found that fecal acetic acid, valeric acid, and caproic acid were significantly increased in MCAO rats, whereas propionic acid and isobutyric acid were decreased. SHD reversed the changes in acetic acid and propionic acid in the model rats and significantly increased fecal butyric acid. In addition, MCAO rats had significantly higher serum levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid, and lower levels of caproic acid. Altered serum levels of butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and caproic acid were restored, and the level of isobutyric acid was reduced after SHD administration. Spearman analysis revealed that cerebral infarct area had a strong correlation with Bifidobacterium, Desulfovibrio, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, acetic acid, valeric acid, and caproic acid. Overall, this study demonstrates for the first time that the effect of SHD on IS may be related to gut microbiota and SCFAs, providing a potential scientific explanation for the ameliorative effect of SHD on IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A novel combination of Butyric and Valeric acid glycerol esters with oregano oil in a dry powder form was evaluated for performance improvements in broilers. The dosing regimen (500 g/Ton feed in starter and grower; 250 g/Ton in finisher feed) was considered low compared to conventional practices using non-esterified Butyric and Valeric short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Six trials were conducted at various trial facilities in Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland. Supplemented broilers grew more (66.4 vs. 64.5 g/day; p = 0.0005), ate more feed (104.7 vs. 103.1 g/day; p = 0.0473), exhibited significantly lower feed conversion (1.58 vs. 1.60; p = 0.0072), leading to better EPEF value (410 vs. 389; p = 0.0006) than the control broilers. Meta-analysed trial performance data for novel SCFA formulations such as these are not commonly available, and serve to facilitate efficacy determination from an end-user perspective. The use of short- and medium-chain fatty acid esters in optimal low-dose combinations to reliably augment gut health and performance appears promising in commercial broiler production, and may lead to further improvements in industry practices and reduced antibiotic use. A novel combination of Butyric and Valeric acid glycerol esters with oregano oil in a dry powder form was evaluated for performance improvements in broilers. The dosing regimen (500 g/Ton feed in starter and grower; 250 g/Ton in finisher feed) was considered low compared to conventional practices using non-esterified Butyric and Valeric short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Six trials were conducted at various trial facilities in Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland. Supplemented broilers weighed significantly more than the control birds at 28 days of age (+3.4%; 1459 g vs. 1412 g; p = 0.0006) and at 42 days of age (+2.5%; 2834 g vs. 2763 g; p = 0.0030). Supplementation significantly reduced mortality from 1.9% to 0.8% during the finisher phase (from 29 to 42 days of age); however, average mortality was 3.2% for the whole 42-day growth period and was not affected. Further, supplemented broilers grew more (66.4 vs. 64.5 g/day; p = 0.0005), ate more feed (104.7 vs. 103.1 g/day; p = 0.0473), converted feed significantly more efficiently (1.58 vs. 1.60; p = 0.0072), leading to better EPEF value (410 vs. 389; p = 0.0006) than the control broilers. Meta-analysed trial performance data for novel SCFA formulations such as these are not commonly available, and serve to facilitate efficacy determination from an end-user perspective. The use of short- and medium-chain fatty acid esters in optimal low-dose combinations to reliably augment gut health and performance appears promising in commercial broiler production, and may lead to further improvements in industry practices and reduced antibiotic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The community structure of gut microbiota changes during pregnancy, which also affects the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the distribution of gut microbiota composition and metabolite SCFA levels are poorly understood in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Aims: To evaluate the changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolic SCFAs in women who received assisted reproduction treatment. Methods: Sixty-three pregnant women with spontaneous pregnancy (SP) and nine with ART pregnancy were recruited to provide fecal samples. Gut microbiota abundance and SCFA levels were determined by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Key results: The ART group showed decreased alpha diversity (the species richness or evenness in a sample). The principal coordinates analysis (a method of analysing beta diversity) showed significant difference in gut microbiota between the ART group versus the SP group (unweighted UniFrac distance, R 2 = 0.04, P = 0.003). Proteobacteria , Blautia and Escherichia-Shigella were enriched in the ART group, whereas the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacteria Faecalibacterium was lower than in the SP group. Different modes of conception were associated with several SCFAs (valeric acid (r = −0.280; P = 0.017); isocaproic acid (r = −0.330; P = 0.005); caproic acid (r = −0.336; P = 0.004)). Significantly different SCFAs between the two groups were synchronously associated with the differential gut microbiota. Conclusions: The diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and the levels of SCFAs in women undergoing ART decreased. Implications: The application of ART shaped the microbial composition and metabolism, which may provide critical information for understanding the biological changes that occur in women with assisted reproduction. While assisted reproductive technology (ART) offers hope to infertile couples, it also brings problems. In this study, researchers found the application of ART altered the gut microbial composition and metabolism of pregnant women. The gut microbiota, as a 'virtual organ', is profoundly associated with the health of mother and fetus, and may have the potential to predict and treat ART-related adverse pregnancy and delivery outcomes. Image by Ni Wu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to investigate the mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of fire-needle therapy in improving neurological function in patients with acute cerebral infarction (identified as a wind-phlegm-blood stasis syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine). Methods: We included patients diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction (wind-phlegm-blood stasis syndrome) admitted to the Encephalopathy and Acupuncture Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine. We randomly allocated them into the treatment and control groups, with 45 cases in each group. Acupuncture treatments that focused on regulating the mind and dredging the collaterals were used in the control group, while the treatment group additionally received fire-needle therapy. Our indicators included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scale, peripheral blood tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), hypersensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and intestinal metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). We measured these indicators before treatment and 14 days after treatment. Results: The post-treatment NIHSS scores of the two groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the treatment group showed a more significant decline in the score when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The treatment group showing significant improvement in the domains of reflex activity, mobility, cooperative movement, and finger movement (P < 0.05). Both groups showed a significant decrease in the IL-17 and hs-CRP levels (P < 0.05), with the treatment group demonstrating a significant declining trend when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid all increased significantly in the two groups (P < 0.05), with acetic acid and butyric acid increasing significantly in the treatment group when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Clinical efficacy rate: 78.6% of patients in the treatment group had an excellent rate, whereas it was 30.0% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Fire-needle therapy was effective in upregulating the SCFA content in patients with acute cerebral infarction (wind-phlegm-blood stasis syndrome), inhibiting the level of the inflammatory response, and improving the recovery of neurological functions. Clinical registration number: Registration website link: https://www.chictr.org.cn. Registration date: 2022/9/27. Registration number: ChiCTR2200064122. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Chinese encyclopedia "Ben Cao Gang Mu" (AD 1552-1578), Caprifoliaceae and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat, detoxify, and treat wind-heat colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and pneumonia. However, the mechanism and the e􀀀ects of the compound extracts of Caprifoliaceae and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on intestinal health remain unclear. From the perspective of intestinal microbes, this study assessed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and intestinal protective properties of Caprifoliaceae and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Mice received diets with or without Caprifoliaceae and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extractive (BCA) for 2 weeks in this study. The results showed that BCA increased body weight gain, feed intake, and catalase (CAT) content in the mice but reduced g-glutamyl transpeptidase (g-GT) content in the serum(p < 0.05). BCA improved the Sobs, Chao, and Ace indices, as well as the number of Campylobacterota, Patercibacteria, and Desulfobacterota in the colon microbiota, while it decreased the Firmicutes phylum (p < 0.05). At the genus level, BCA increased Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Helicobacter, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Alistipes, norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, norank_f_Ruminoc occaceae, unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, etc. abundance (p < 0.05), but it significantly decreased Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae_UCG_001 abundance (p < 0.05). Moreover, BCA improved the concentration of acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid and diminished the concentration of isobutyric acid (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis shows that the changes in short-chain fatty acids and antioxidant and inflammatory indices in the serum were significantly correlated with the BCA-enriched microbiota. This study supplemented a database for the application of Caprifoliaceae and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in clinical and animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we address the transition of the Kolbe electrolysis of valeric acid (VA) to n‐octane as an exemplary electrosynthesis process from a batch reaction to a continuous, self‐regulated process. Based on a systematic assessment of chemical boundary conditions and sustainability aspects, we propose a continuous electrosynthesis including a simple product separation and electrolyte recirculation, as well as an online‐pH‐controlled VA feeding. We demonstrate how essential performance parameters such as product selectivity (S) and coulombic efficiency (CE) are significantly improved by the transition from batch to a continuous process. Thus, the continuous and pH‐controlled electrolysis of a 1 M valeric acid, starting pH 6.0, allowed a constantly high selectivity of around 47 % and an average Coulomb efficiency about 52 % throughout the entire experimental duration. Under otherwise identical conditions, the conventional batch operation suffered from lower and strongly decreasing performance values (Sn‐octane, 60min=10.4 %, Sn‐octane, 240min=1.3 %; CEn‐octane, 60min=7.1 %, CEn‐octane, 240min=0.5 %). At the same time, electrolyte recirculation significantly reduces wastes and limits the use of electrolyte components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GG genotype of the Patatin-like phosphatase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3), dietary fat, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are linked with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We studied the impact of the quality of dietary fat on plasma (p) and fecal (f) SCFA and p-BCAA in men homozygous for the PNPLA3 rs738409 variant (I148M). Eighty-eight randomly assigned men (age 67.8 ± 4.3 years, body mass index 27.1 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in a 12-week diet intervention. The recommended diet (RD) group followed the National and Nordic nutrition recommendations for fat intake. The average diet (AD) group followed the average fat intake in Finland. The intervention resulted in a decrease in total p-SCFAs and iso-butyric acid in the RD group (p = 0.041 and p = 0.002). Valeric acid (p-VA) increased in participants with the GG genotype regardless of the diet (RD, 3.6 ± 0.6 to 7.0 ± 0.6 µmol/g, p = 0.005 and AD, 3.8 ± 0.3 to 9.7 ± 8.5 µmol/g, p = 0.015). Also, genotype relation to p-VA was seen statistically significantly in the RD group (CC: 3.7 ± 0.4 to 4.2 ± 1.7 µmol/g and GG: 3.6 ± 0.6 to 7.0 ± 0.6 µmol/g, p = 0.0026 for time and p = 0.004 for time and genotype). P-VA, unlike any other SCFA, correlated positively with plasma gamma-glutamyl transferase (r = 0.240, p = 0.025). Total p-BCAAs concentration changed in the AD group comparing PNPLA3 CC and GG genotypes (CC: 612 ± 184 to 532 ± 149 µmol/g and GG: 587 ± 182 to 590 ± 130 µmol/g, p = 0.015 for time). Valine decreased in the RD group (p = 0.009), and leucine decreased in the AD group (p = 0.043). RD decreased total fecal SCFA, acetic acid (f-AA), and butyric acid (f-BA) in those with CC genotype (p = 0.006, 0.013 and 0.005, respectively). Our results suggest that the PNPLA3 genotype modifies the effect of dietary fat modification for p-VA, total f-SCFA, f-AA and f-BA, and total p-BCAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and aims. DNA metabarcoding strategy was used to sequence the 16S rRNA region of ruminal fluid samples from Nellore cattle fed with concentrate-rich diets in response to modulatory effect of buffering additives calcarea seaweed (Lithothamnium calcareum) and sodium bicarbonate. Methods. Besides characterising the richness and diversity indices of rumen bacterial community, the impact of potentially acidogenic diets on rumen pH, blood parameters, and short-chain fatty acid profile (SCFA) was investigated for which four male Nellore cattle were used, distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square (treatments × periods). Treatments comprised the same highly concentrated basal diet, and were as follows: T1, without additive (CON); T2, inclusion of 90 g of sodium bicarbonate (BIC); T3, inclusion of 90 g of L. calcareum (L90); and T4, inclusion of 45 g of L. calcareum (L45). Data were analysed in R, in which diversity and abundance at gender level were analysed using Friedman's test, withmeans being adjusted by False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction. The analyses of pH, biochemical parameters and SCFA were analysed using Scott-Knott test and means were evaluated with a significance level of 10% (P < 0.10). Key results. We identified 1474 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 52 genera and 16 phyla of bacteria domain. The results showed that bacterial microbiota were dominated by Firmicutes (44.12%), Bacteroidetes (28.29%), and Proteobacteria (5.88%). Animals fed with L90 demonstrated greater abundance and ruminal diversity for the Prevotella genus (P < 0.07% and P < 0.09% respectively), whereas cattle supplemented with L45 demonstrated greater diversity of the Fibrobacter genus (P < 0.05). There were differences in molar proportion for acetic (P < 0.07%) and valeric (P < 0.03%) acids in the period before feeding. Higher blood lactate concentrations were observed in animals supplemented with L45 (P < 0.06%), while animals that received treatments L90 and BIC presented lower levels of blood lactate. This metabolite was lower in animals fed with 90 g of sodiumbicarbonate and L. calcareum daily. These treatments also reduced the concentration of acetic acid and increased that of valeric acid, and improved ruminal diversity. Conclusions and implications. Our results supported this choice to improve ruminal function, with a great prospective of better weight-gain performance in Nellore cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium luticellarii is a recently discovered acetogen that is uniquely capable of producing butyric and isobutyric acid from various substrates (e.g. methanol), but it is unclear which factors influence its (iso)butyric acid production from H2 and CO2. We aimed to investigate the autotrophic metabolism of C. luticellarii by identifying the necessary growth conditions and examining the effects of pH and metabolite levels on product titers and selectivity. Results show that autotrophic growth of C. luticellarii requires the addition of complex nutrient sources and the absence of shaking conditions. Further experiments combined with thermodynamic calculations identified pH as a key parameter governing the direction of metabolic fluxes. At circumneutral pH (~6.5), acetic acid is the sole metabolic end product but C. luticellarii possesses the unique ability to co‐oxidize organic acids such as valeric acid under high H2 partial pressures (>1 bar). Conversely, mildly acidic pH (≤5.5) stimulates the production of butyric and isobutyric acid while partly halting the oxidation of organic acids. Additionally, elevated acetic acid concentrations stimulated butyric and isobutyric acid production up to a combined selectivity of 53 ± 3%. Finally, our results suggest that isobutyric acid is produced by a reversible isomerization of butyric acid, but valeric and caproic acid are not isomerized. These combined insights can inform future efforts to optimize and scale‐up the production of valuable chemicals from CO2 using C. luticellarii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valeric acid (VA), which is the hydrogenated product of LA, has been identified as a valuable key chemical with potent applications for the manufacture of valeric biofuels. In this work, mesoporous WSB (Si/Al = 25 and Si/W = 10 and 25) and x% Ru supported WSB catalysts with different Ru loadings (x = 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt.%) with constant molar ratios of Si/Al = 25 and Si/W = 10 was obtained by the well-known hydrothermal method. The synthesized materials were analyzed using various physicochemical techniques. The Ru-impregnated WSB catalysts were effectively utilized for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid in the presence of H2 (1 atm). Among the various catalysts, 6% RuWSB catalyst showed the superior conversion of LA (100%) and 72% selectivity towards VA. The enhanced catalytic activity is due to the presence of acidic and active sites on the catalytic surfaces. The operational parameters such as the effect of Ru content, reaction temperature, catalyst weight, and time on stream on the catalytic activity of x% RuWSB catalysts were investigated. The recyclability test conducted revealed that the 6% RuWSB catalyst exhibited the highest stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Aging is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke and worsens its outcome. However, the mechanisms for this worsened neurological outcome with aging are not clearly defined. Results Old C57BL/6J male mice (18 to 20 months old) had a poorer neurological outcome and more severe inflammation after transient focal brain ischemia than 8-week-old C57BL/6J male mice (young mice). Young mice with transplantation of old mouse gut microbiota had a worse neurological outcome, poorer survival curve, and more severe inflammation than young mice receiving young mouse gut microbiota transplantation. Old mice and young mice transplanted with old mouse gut microbiota had an increased level of blood valeric acid. Valeric acid worsened neurological outcome and heightened inflammatory response including blood interleukin-17 levels after brain ischemia. The increase of interleukin-17 caused by valeric acid was inhibited by a free fatty acid receptor 2 antagonist. Neutralizing interleukin-17 in the blood by its antibody improved neurological outcome and attenuated inflammatory response in mice with brain ischemia and receiving valeric acid. Old mice transplanted with young mouse feces had less body weight loss and better survival curve after brain ischemia than old mice transplanted with old mouse feces or old mice without fecal transplantation. Conclusions These results suggest that the gut microbiota-valeric acid-interleukin-17 pathway contributes to the aging-related changes in the outcome after focal brain ischemia and response to stimulus. Valeric acid may activate free fatty acid receptor 2 to increase interleukin-17.